Turkish Delight in the City

Babajan, the exquisite little bakery and kitchen in North Carlton, has been gathering a cult following for its “Turkish-leaning” baked, fresh and sweet goods since it opened in 2016 on the corner of Nicholson and Pigdon Streets. Now owner Kirsty Chiaplias has spread the love to the CBD.

“Babajan is so much more than just a cafe and eatery – it’s a family,” says Kirsty. “In Carlton North, we have a beautiful relationship with all our customers, and I can see this same sense of community being emulated at the top end of the city and at our new home in 1 Little Collins Street.”

Babajan’s new CBD outpost features the same overflowing glass cabinet that’s familiar to fans of the North Carlton mothership, filled with fresh pastries, bread, house made borek and simits, alongside Babajan’s famous salads, sandwiches, moreish desserts. The Babajan CBD will also feature and a host of incredible new menu items. We’ve been having a ball working with Kirsty on promoting the new store and have already seen coverage in The Age Good Food, Urban List, Time Out and Broadsheet, with an upcoming spread in Gourmet Traveller. Our launch campaign for Babajan CBD is ongoing and includes influencer engagement and community outreach.

For Kirsty, opening in the city seems like a natural progression, particularly as she started her cooking life in the CBD at The Workers’ Food Room.

“I’m going full circle,” she says. “I started in the city, and now I’m coming back.”

Images by Pete Dillon